BYU football: ESPN partnership has been a boon for school, fans

Comments

Someone on here made the statement that the ratings were going great for BYU.

According to what? AdWeek's numbers for the ESPN games have hardly made
the advertisers turn their heads. And after all, these are the people who pay
for those games to be broadcast. Unless there are advertising dollars flowing,
you will see your "national" venue go away.

The Y has to
put an exciting brand of football on the field. I think they can, hope they
can.... but the last couple of years hasn't made people to excited to tune in a
watch - unless you like watching BYU loose.

JohnInSLCCottonwood Heights, UT

Nov. 7, 2011 8:09 a.m.

Bluto:

Still thumping your chest about things that happened in the
Reagan Administration, eh?

In the last 8 years, Utah has two more
things BY-High will never see again:Undefeated seasons!

Yee-ha
indeed!

abejonesSCOTT DEPOT, WV

Nov. 7, 2011 7:42 a.m.

As a BYU/ WVU/ Big East Fan, I'd love to see BYU in the new proposed two
division Big East. I regret my state university abandoned ship for the cow
colleges of the Big 12. As universities they don't compare with Rutgers, U Cinn,
U Conn, Louisville, and now Houston and Air Force. I trust BYU's leadership to
be next generation statesmen and not next election politicians. None of us has
the info to weigh the ESPN/independent status with the identity= natural rivalry
status of the new Big East Also, the year 2011 is neither the beginning nor the
end of Byu history.We tire of the 'what have you done for me lately" crowd,
who think the football Cougars, like good wives, are there to polish their egos
each week.BYu has beaten at least three or more teams from every BCS
conference.from the west coast to Boston College. Notre Dame lost to USF, the
last place team in the Big East, but no one knocks ND OR its deceptive schedule
which always sounds better than it is. Six of !2 have losing records.

NightOwlAmericaSALEM, OR

Nov. 6, 2011 5:30 p.m.

Yawn.Yes, BYU players have earned a lot of awards and recognition. And
they won lots of conference titles and a national title.Face it, had you
actually belonged to a real conference in all that time of WAC dominance. You
never would have earned 90% of what you were awarded. Power conferences did not
want you then, and they don't want you now. Well unless you are a failing
conference like the BE or BIG12.

UteMiguelGo Utes, CA

Nov. 6, 2011 5:19 p.m.

@79Ute You need to look a little harder for the Utah games (or sign up for
DirecTV). I also live in OC and I have seen every Utah game in real time
(though I had to watch Montana State streamed over the internet).

BlutoSandy, UT

Nov. 6, 2011 10:43 a.m.

Wow

Ike Armstrong? Desperate?That's it? That and 6 good
years?If 8 game seasons in the leather helmet era (playing teams like West
High and Fort Douglass C squad) is your claim to fame, then have at it.

Well based on that criteria, Texas, Ohio St., USC, Michigan, Alabama and 115
other D-1 programs, having nothing on U.

Find it where you can Utes,
pretty tortured logic, but whatever floats your boat.

JohnInSLCCottonwood Heights, UT

Nov. 5, 2011 2:11 p.m.

"If Utah is so good, how come the Utes have never won a national award of
any kind in their entire history?"

PHX, I didn't see any mention
about bowl winning percentage in your chest thumping recital from ancient
history. If you want to go back in time, you should know that the Utes have as
many coaches in the College Football Hall of Fame as BYU. Search for Ike
Armstrong, Utah's coach while the cougies were still in diapers.

The
Utes have a recent distinction BYU will never achieve. Utah is the only school
in the country to ever have No. 1 NFL and NBA draft picks in the same year.

phoenixGilbert, AZ

Nov. 5, 2011 10:21 a.m.

JohnJacobJingleHeimerSchmidt

The only thing phony about BYU's 1984
National Championship are the phony "experts" who think they know more
than the majority of voters on the AP and Coaches polls who, after careful
scrutiny for over a month, selected BYU as the most deserving team to be name
1984 National Champion.

It's a part of history that whiny Utah fans
will never be able to change.

Call us when Utah wins their first
anything on a national scale - National Championship, Heisman, Outland, Davey
O'Brien, Sammy Baugh, Doak Walker, National College Football Hall of Fame
player.

If Utah is so good, how come the Utes have never won a
national award of any kind in their entire history?

JohnJacobJingleHeimerSchmidtBeverly Hills, CA

Nov. 5, 2011 10:03 a.m.

"That is a whole lotta schools which will never sniff at a BCS bowl. And a
whole lotta schools riding and coat-tailing the achievements of others, simply
because of a phony, illegal caste system."

Utah, TCU, Boise
State have all done it twice, Hawaii did it once. Freaking Hawaii did it once!!!
How come BYU can't do it once if BYU is supposed to be so good? The caste
system was created because of BYU's phony national championship so deal with it
and get to a BCS game and until then stop complaining about it.

BlutoSandy, UT

Nov. 5, 2011 7:56 a.m.

There are many pros and cons to consider with BYU and the Big East, and
honestly, the only thing driving this train is 1 guaranteed bid, per AQ BCS
Conference.

6 Conferences each have one guaranteed bid. 4 more bids
are at-large invitations.

That's 10 bids per year for roughly 70+
schools belong to "BCS Conferences".

That is a whole lotta
schools which will never sniff at a BCS bowl. And a whole lotta schools riding
and coat-tailing the achievements of others, simply because of a phony, illegal
caste system.

Which bring us back to BYU.

BYU is a
National Brand which is one of just a few which could survive on their own name.
Schools like Utah, Northwestern, Baylor etc. need to piggyback on a Conference
and take whatever is offered. (delayed revenue sharing)

BYU has
Exposure (10 ESPN games)and their own Network TV package. It's bringing them 15+
million per year, minimum, up from 1.5 million with the MWC. Estimates I've read
indicate the Big East would only bring BYU 8-9 million.

Does BYU give
up their "Assets", every game on National TV, ESPN contract etc., just
for a BCS Conference affilaition?

sammygSpringville, UT

Nov. 5, 2011 7:52 a.m.

To all those pining for an HD quality signal for BYU games Fresnogirl has
mentioned her Roku box delivers great quality.

That's a little box
you hook up to the internet and a direct HDMI cable to your HD tv for streaming
content. Cost about $95 at Costco I noticed the other day.

I'm
assuming this would be for the delayed broadcasts on BYUtv. Not sure about it
working in Canada.

JohnJacobJingleHeimerSchmidtBeverly Hills, CA

Nov. 5, 2011 2:32 a.m.

We have Utah lawmakers passing laws to limit alcohol ads and even the pouring of
Drinks behind a glass wall and no one here has a problem with alcohol ads during
BYU games? As someone who is LDS I don't care if people drink because it is
their choice but BYU accepting money from espn who plays these ads during the
game does not feel right to me. Is BYU so desperate for exposure that they are
ok with these ads during the games? It is a legitimate question.

Independence Is BlissSan Jose, CA

Nov. 5, 2011 12:29 a.m.

Exposure, Exposure, Exposure.

That's all that matters. If you have
exposure, everything else falls into place. With exposure comes: recruits,
fans, branding, credibility, good schedules, and hopefully wins.

It's
nice to know the admin at BYU has some business sense, because heaven knows most
of you complainers (read: trolls) don't. When my business launches a product,
our goal is to get it in front of as many people as possible. Makes sense,
right? Especially if we had an exclusive agreement with the #1 marketing firm
(ESPN) and the best in-house marketing team among all our competitors
(Broadcasting facility).

Oh yeah, and all those complaining about our
schedule, show me any team in the country that can put a great schedule together
in 1 year.

Floyd JohnsonBroken Arrow, OK

Nov. 5, 2011 12:01 a.m.

just-a-fan

I'll take both the great team and the improved access. I
appreciate your personal preference. If I lived close enough to Provo to hold
season tickets, I may concur. For those of us unable to attend games, indepence
has significantly improved our access to games and our ability to follow the
team. BYU's ability to play is in no way hindered by their independent status.
Enjoy the access. Enjoy the sport.

just-a-fanBountiful, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 5:54 p.m.

I'd rather go back to no ESPN games and a great team.

CanuckFanVancouver, BC

Nov. 4, 2011 5:32 p.m.

ESPN is not legally allowed to be broadcast in Canada, so I'm still stuck
watching it on JustinTV. I'd gladly pay to watch if it was possible.

greenshovelSALT LAKE CITY, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 5:14 p.m.

If I was working at ESPN, I'd make sure to have a free beef jerky day in the
parking lot each July. Give a nice treat to all the fans.

So. Cal ReaderEscondido, CA

Nov. 4, 2011 4:59 p.m.

Re: 54-10 "I feel badly for BYU "fans". They have 2 byes in a
month that everyone else plays a full schedule of conference games and they have
the 109th rated strength of schedule. Sad really." Not too sad to get the
bowl recognition this year. What bowl recognition will the Utes get? I had the
Pac 12 Conf. Champtionship circled to see how strongly your Utes would
"represent." Ummm, I've crossed out the game. ASU will represent the
Southern Conference just fine.

UtahManDanProvidence, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 4:48 p.m.

Ute trolls need to give it a rest. BYU has a good thing going with ESPN and
every BYU fan I know is happy to be free of the Mountain Channel.

nosaerfoeciovehtNSL, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 4:42 p.m.

@We Wear Blue

"BYU has joined the ranks of Notre Dame, LSU,
Texas in viewership and that my friends is power."

The word
"goggles" is missing from the end of your screen name.

We wear Blueogden, ut

Nov. 4, 2011 4:24 p.m.

@54 10The only thing " sad" is you and all the other well known
trolls obsession with everything BYU.I am still waiting for my answer to
how many watch Utah games. I really want to know, because for all your talk
about PAC12 dominance it doesnt translate into people watching or caring about
your team. While you sit and pound on your computers , every weekend millions
are tuning into BYU football. And you can admit that before joining the PAC12
you never watched any of their games either. BYU has joined the ranks of
Notre Dame, LSU, Texas in viewership and that my friends is power.

nosaerfoeciovehtNSL, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 4:09 p.m.

The Y's scheduling will get better than the mess they had this year.

Utah's television exposure will get better than the mess it was this year.

Here's to football in Utah getting better! Lets all have a group hug.

54-10Salt Lake City, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 3:37 p.m.

I feel badly for BYU "fans". They have 2 byes in a month that
everyone else plays a full schedule of conference games and they have the 109th
rated strength of schedule. Sad really.

royalblueAlpine, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 3:34 p.m.

In other news:

When watching Urban Schools Evan Chang playing for the
Blues on the volleyball court, you cant help but notice his talent, but
something seems off.

Undoubtedly the best player in the programs
five-year history, Chang regularly plays out of position for the Blues, but is
actually one of the best high school liberos in the Bay Area.

Chang
was rewarded for that talent with a recent verbal commitment to BYU, a
three-time national champion and consistently one of the best Division I
volleyball teams in the nation.

LonestarRunnerSalt Lake City, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 3:22 p.m.

dhsalum

Utah trolls are prone to just making stuff up when reality
conflicts with their own distorted view of the world.

2:43 p.m.

Alright, you've convinced me. OSU and WSU are the dregs of the BCS world
and BYU should lump those games in with Idaho and New Mexico State. Should we
also include Utah in that mix?

That still leaves BYU with several
games against great BCS programs in the next couple of years: Texas(twice),
Boise State(twice), Georgia Tech(twice), and Notre Dame(twice).

Not
bad for the 2nd and 3rd years of independence.

So. Cal ReaderEscondido, CA

Nov. 4, 2011 3:15 p.m.

Re: JohnInSLC "So, the 8 year contract with the mothership--who named your
coach "Roscoe" and, because of that contract, kept you out of the
Big-12--is all good, eh?" Pardon me, but please share with me where you
read the ESPN TV contract is what kept the Cougs out of the Big 12? There was
never an invitation extended. A lot of speculation, and so glad you trolls were
able to chime in on the interest. I repeat what I shared earlier, I'll enjoy the
ESPN coverage of our bowl game this year. And your bowl game is ....? Priceless.

TrollPoliceSalt Lake City, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 3:07 p.m.

Wow, the trolls are really out in force today trying to convince themselves that
playing more games on ESPN than any other team in the country is a bad thing.

If U really love KJZZ that much, you should have Dr. Hill contact Larry
Scott to see if the two can make an arrangement to have all of Utah's game
played on KJZZ next year.

UteanymousSalt Lake City, Utah

Nov. 4, 2011 2:55 p.m.

Pac12Proud

Your tortured logic notwithstanding, only a BYU-obsessed
troll would try to argue that EPSN's advertisers have even the slightest
connection to BYU.

JohnInSLC

"So, the 8 year contract
with the mothership--who named your coach "Roscoe" and, because of
that contract, kept you out of the Big-12--is all good, eh?"

wow, the desperation on the hill is reaching full panic mode isn't it?

This business of Utah spending the entire season on KJZZ, while BYU
plays weekly on ESPN is really taking its toll. Soon, the Utah trolls will be
blaming the national debt and world hunger on BYU's partnership with ESPN.

Relax. A couple more losses and you can start looking forward to next
season when the Utes will supposedly have better television coverage.

ClarkHippoTooele, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 2:49 p.m.

@Pac12Proud 1:41

I mentioned Marriott hotels because, like BYU, they
have ties to the LDS Church. Marriotts aren't owned by the church, but the
Marriott family is a very well known LDS family.

Go back and read
the comment by BYU Joe - 9:10 a.m. Nov. 4, 2011. He makes a great point about
BYU vs. beer ads. How rude would it be if I went to a party where there was beer
and told everyone they couldn't drink because I was there and I didn't drink?

Sunday play and beer sales are apples and oranges. No one is forcing BYU
players and coaches to drink beer. No one is forcing BYU fans to buy beer or
even watch the beer ads. Things would clearly be different if BYU was forced to
play Sunday games.

You said - "Remember your own words the next
time you see a post from a byu fan criticizing Utah for moving to a conference
that does not ban Sunday play..."

I agree 100%. Any BYU fan who
would say this is being ridiculous. But at least in reference to this story,
I've seen little if any criticism of the U's program.

We wear Blueogden, ut

Nov. 4, 2011 2:49 p.m.

@54 10Thank you for responding to my call out to all trolls.I again
would like to thank you fot all of your interest and viewership. The trolls plus
fans around the world keep BYU growing in popularity.Still no answer for
how many watch Utah games?......crickets.

dhsalumSaint George, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 2:46 p.m.

mightymite | 1:58 p.m. Nov. 4, 2011DRAPER, UTThis has been a dog for
ESPN and sources say they are attempting to restructure the contact. ESPN is
hoping byu joins a conference so they can get out of this mess. The rating
shares have just been horrible. ----------What sources? I've heard
people on hear say this but I have never seen anything about it, anywhere. And I
read just about every article about BYU football on the internet...

54-10Salt Lake City, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 2:43 p.m.

@ PAC man | 2:02 p.m. Nov. 4, 2011 Anaheim, CA

Wait a minute.
I have read many times the BYU trolls telling everyone that the PAC 12 is a
loser conference. However, from your analysis it appears you are supporting
your argument that BYU's scheduling is getting better by the fact that out of 12
BCS teams BYU plays in the next 2 years, 5 of those games (approx 1/2) are from
the PAC 12. You know, that "lousy" conference. So which one is it?
The conference is good enough to use as an example of how the BYU schedule is
getting better or it's a lousy conference?

PAC manAnaheim, CA

Nov. 4, 2011 2:27 p.m.

Pac12Proud

Their is no conflict between BYU's standards and ESPN's
advertising policies. Get over your self-righteous, BYU-hating rant.

Unless BYUtv is running the beer ads or BYU is sponsoring the beer ads, the
fact that beer ads run during BYU games is irrelevant.

What's
non-sensical is your holier-than-thou, hypocrital whining about something that
has absolutely nothing to do with BYU.

PAC manAnaheim, CA

Nov. 4, 2011 2:02 p.m.

Papa Smurf UTE

"I have heard more Y fans complain about the
teams they play, and the fact that ESPN is burrying them on ESPN 2"

Get real. There's absolutely no difference between playing on ESPN or
ESPN2? They're right next to each other in the channel lineup.

There
may be a few Utah trolls and a few casual BYU fans around who don't understand
the short-term scheduling issues, but the majority of fans understand that BYU's
schedule will improve significantly in the near future.

The schedule would
still be front-end loaded, which isn't ideal, but otherwise, 2013 looks like the
best schedule BYU has ever played, even if you toss in 3 MWC/WAC/C-USA teams to
fill out the schedule.

JohnInSLCCottonwood Heights, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 2:01 p.m.

"Everything about the ESPN contract has been a positive."

So. Cal Reader:

So, the 8 year contract with the mothership--who
named your coach "Roscoe" and, because of that contract, kept you out
of the Big-12--is all good, eh?

I guess it takes a Ute fan to throw
some cold water on the conflicted cougie fans. You guys simultaneously: 1) thump
your chest about the advantages of independence and exposure with your world
wide partner, 2) complain about your WAC schedule and ask for more games against
BCS teams, 3) demand an invitation to any BCS conference that might have an
opening, and 4) want to fire everyone who can't accomplish these mutually
exclusive goals.

As your favorite Ducky would say: LOL!

mightymiteDRAPER, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 1:58 p.m.

This has been a dog for ESPN and sources say they are attempting to restructure
the contact. ESPN is hoping byu joins a conference so they can get out of this
mess. The rating shares have just been horrible.

54-10Salt Lake City, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 1:55 p.m.

@ We wear Blue | 1:39 p.m. Nov. 4, 2011 Ogden, Ut

I did enjoy
the 54-10 on ESPN.

Did you?

So. Cal ReaderEscondido, CA

Nov. 4, 2011 1:49 p.m.

Re: 54-10 "ESPN coverage nationally of the 54-10 beat down
was.......priceless." Yes. You are correct that this game was broadcast by
ESPN because, I'll go slow here, the Coug's contract with ESPN requires such.
But, guess what? That same ESPN will broadcast the Coug's bowl game this season.
Still curious who will broadcast your beloved Utes bowl game. Excuse me. I
forgot you have yet to get to 6 wins. Also, still curious about the Pac 12
Championship Game that all you Utes thought was automatic at the beginning of
the season. But keep hanging onto the 54-10 beat-down if that's what makes your
non-bowl season a success.

Pac12ProudSALT LAKE CITY, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 1:41 p.m.

ClarkHippo | 1:10 p.m. Nov. 4, 2011

I don't know what Marriott
Hotels has to do with byu but I do know this...byu byu receives revenue from an
entity that obtains revenue streams from the advertisement of alcohol during its
games. Further, Holmoe has done nothing to curtail or ban those
advertisements.

"Give and take is sometimes required in
business..." How convenient for the byu collective. Remember your own
words the next time you see a post from a byu fan criticizing Utah for moving to
a conference that does not ban Sunday play or see a post that criticizes Dr Hill
for not demanding the same. That is utter non-sense.

And no, I
don't hate byu...I am strong LDS. What I hate are byu fans who use standards
when it is convenient for them to do so.

Alcohol ads just a part of
business? I am willing to bet that you, too, have used the excuse of
"Sunday play" as the reason conferences don't want to get involved
with byu. Standards are standards and byu is clearly willing to look past
certain standards when it comes to "business" requirements.

How convenient.

We wear Blueogden, ut

Nov. 4, 2011 1:39 p.m.

Attention Ute trolls!!!!Did you read the article? Sounds like ESPN is
extremely happy with the MILLIONS of viewers it has picked up do to its deal
with BYU. Plus the exposure for the Cougars.Please answer just one
question......How many people watch Ute games? If you could find the
channel thier games are on, I dont think there are a whole lot of football fans
dying to watch a terrible 4_ 4 team stumble through the PAC 12 bottom dwellers.

ClarkHippoTooele, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 1:27 p.m.

@Papa Smurf UTE 10:51

@utahguyiam 10:55

Why are you Ute
fans still so obsessed about BYU's schedule? Why do you care about BYU in the
first place?

Over the past six months I've heard Ute fans say over
and over and over again that BYU is beneath them. They've said now that Utah is
in the PAC-12, it's time to forget BYU and find a "real" rival, and if
BYU fans say anything negative about Utah, it only proves how
"jealous" they are of Utah. Yet at the same time, Ute fans continue to
troll and troll and troll again about all things BYU.

Why do Ute
fans continue to obsess so much about a team they have relegated to the same
level as Snow College or Bingham High School?

@LeftCoastUte
11:50

If the Utes had the same ESPN contract, you and your fellow Ute
fans would be bragging about the same thing.

ClarkHippoTooele, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 1:10 p.m.

@Pac12Proud 10:53

I'm one BYU fan who couldn't care less if other
teams play on Sunday or not. If the Utes play a game here on there on a Sunday,
fine with me. I don't watch very many Utah games anyway.

As for the
alcohol ads during BYU games, I don't see the problem. I don't know all the ins
and outs of BYU's contract with ESPN, but look at it this way. Marriott hotels
don't close on Sundays, and many Marriott properties serve alcohol. In fact,
some Marriott properties in different parts of the world have casinos inside
their hotels.

Is this hypocrisy on the part of the Marriott chain?
In my opinion, it would only be hypocrisy if they attacked other hotel chains
for doing the same thing they are doing.

It's impossible for every
LDS-affiliated business to demand all of its partners follow the same rules and
standards they do. Give and take is sometimes required in business, and for the
most part, it sounds like the people most uncomfortable with the beer ads during
BYU games are those who hate BYU.

fan in oremOrem, Utah

Nov. 4, 2011 1:04 p.m.

It will be interesting to find out if the Cougars, playing late on a Saturday
night in November, against a team that isn't any good, will still pull in more
fans at the stadium than the utes have EVER had in theirs.

JNALayton, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 12:30 p.m.

As a Cougar fan I say that it is very nice that we are enjoying our TV contract
and exposure, now if we could only win games against quality opponents.

CanyontrekerTAYLORSVILLE, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 12:24 p.m.

Will it get easier to schedule big games in Provo if they have to play November
nights?

Razzle2Bluffdale, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 12:00 p.m.

79UTE

The live Utah games are on Root, part of their Fox
Sports/PAC-12 packages. Utah doesn't promote it since they get paid by KJZZ.
Yes, last week Utah was live on two stations. All Utah games have been live TV.

deseret peterobertson, Wy

Nov. 4, 2011 11:53 a.m.

Will all you folks crying about this years schedule take real look at it and
with a lot of other teams and you will see it isn't that bad. Especially since
we had to start from scratch.Many of you have no conception of what it takes to
make a schedule especially going independent. For their first year they have
done well.If they were in The Mtn west conference our schedule would not have
been any harder. Colo.ST ,New Mexico, UNLV,San Diego St. not much different than
some of the lower teams they have played. New Mexico and UNLV being no more
competive than Idaho or New Mexico State.Boise St. would have been a good game
to have but not possible this year.

LeftCoastUteDANVILLE, CA

Nov. 4, 2011 11:50 a.m.

Jeff: Even if it is really true that 1.1 million households tuned into each of
11 games, it's sort of silly to say 1.2 billion households were reached over the
course of the season, don't you think? That would mean each household only tuned
in once and roughly 1/3 of the world's population caught a game. On paid cable
no less.

Oklahoma CougarMustang, OK

Nov. 4, 2011 11:02 a.m.

re: NoblePromise

BYU has never had an issue with scheduling BCS
opponents. On a very short notice they have 4 BCS opponents this season and
another 5 for next season.

Future seasons after 2013 will include
5-6+ BCS opponents. Always be a few cupcakes, but that is not atypical of
almost every major program.

Holmoe did a magnificent job with such a
short notice for this season.

JohnnyJingleSOUTH JORDAN, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 11:00 a.m.

IS this breaking news? I have never, ever heard of this ESPN/byu partnership
before...

utahguyiamWEST JORDAN, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 10:57 a.m.

The SEC is the only BCS league to have a significant # of OOC games in the
middle of the season. They have 12. Unfortunately, BYU doesn't qualify to fill
those slots.. You see, Louisiana Tech is just about the best of those teams, and
half of them are against FCS teams. There's no way they're going to schedule BYU
when it's so abundantly clear they only want powder puffs.

Cougars - Wise Older BrothersAnaheim, CA

Nov. 4, 2011 10:56 a.m.

@10:34 a.m. Nov. 4, 2011

Jealous little brother obsession with all
things BYU....laughable.

It's hillarious that Utah has a game this
week at PAC 12 foe Arizona that could decide whether the Utes go bowling this
year, yet here you are obsessing about a game that was played over a month ago
and against an "irrelevant", non-AQ, "former rival" at
that.

Chew on this tidbit: The BCS leagues COMBINED
for a total of 7 OOC games between week 6 and rivalry week this year (not
counting games against Notre Dame or in-state rivalries). In the future, 2 of
those games will be eliminated as the PAC tightens rules on OOC scheduling.

Further, the closest BCS leagues to BYU were also the most stringent on
OOC scheduling. The PAC had 2 games (0 in the future), the B12 had 0 games, and
the B10 had 1 game.

Only the BE and ACC seem enthusiastic about
playing OOC in midseason, and primarily against each other. In fact, those
leagues had only ONE OOC opponent from west of the Mississippi (Utah/Pitt).

The only way BYU improves their schedule is if they monopolize those
openings, which isn't likely to happen. As long as you're independent, you
should get used to playing Idaho and NMSU, because it's who you're going to get
in October and November.

Pac12ProudSALT LAKE CITY, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 10:53 a.m.

WON84 | 9:57 a.m. Nov. 4, 2011

Agreed. byu fans blast Utah for
joining the a conference that may schedule games on Sunday (though I have yet to
see a schedule with a Sunday game on it) and assert that Chris Hill took no
action to prevent that from occurring.

At the same time, byu's
own "business partner" uses byu games to sell alcohol for advertising
revenue and pays byu's contract with the proceeds. byu has done nothing to
stand tall with ESPN and ensure that people aren't subjected to alcohol sales
during byu games. Values? Standards? What values and standards? But money is
money. Who cares where it comes from or the values and standards that are sold
to get it. Sound familiar?

How incredibly hypocritical of byu fans
to point fingers at conferences for something like Sunday play.

Go
daddy commercials are also a popular component of revenue for ESPN.

Papa Smurf UTEHerriman, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 10:51 a.m.

The exposure may be there for the Y and their fans across the nation and
throughout the world, but I have heard more Y fans complain about the teams they
play, and the fact that ESPN is burrying them on ESPN 2 or ESPN U at 8:15 on
Saturday nights when everyone is asleep, or it is freezing cold out in November
so not as many fans will go to the games. No one wants to take their kids out in
30 degree weather late on a Saturday night, when they will most likely fall
asleep at the game, or be miserable because of the cold. The exposure is nice,
but at what cost?

TJEagle Mountain, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 10:46 a.m.

bleedredTalk about leaning on a broken crutch. Utah is desperate for $$.
They get it with the PAC but it will likely be around 20-24 million for the
first few years they get a full share. Utah's budget will still be far below the
average PAC budget; right there with the other bottom teams. BYU wants exposure.
They get a minimum of 8 million(actual number for this year is close to 11
million) as a bonus. Exposure to them is huge. They win. ESPN money is great
plus they get sponsorship money for BYUTV broadcasts. Their broadcast
capabilities are the best in the nation. No one even comes close. Me
thinks there is a jealous troll lurking in your comments.

Snack PACOlympus Cove, Utah

Nov. 4, 2011 10:42 a.m.

patriot

"ESPN isn't going to renew the contract if BYU keeps
losing. BYU has win against Teams like Texas and TCU otherwise what's the appeal
for ESPN?"

Maybe someday you'll post something grounded in
reality. ESPN doesn't care if BYU wins or loses as long as BYU continues putting
an entertaining product on the field.

The Mississippi, Texas, UCF,
TCU, OSU, Utah State, and even the Utah games were all entertaining, more so,
than Utah's brutally ugly game at Pittsburgh, which was about as entertaining as
watching paint dry.

Fans care about wins/losses.

Television bean counters only care about ratings, and even with a less than
stellar schedule and win/loss record, BYU's ratings have exceeded ESPN's ratings
expectations.

TJEagle Mountain, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 10:36 a.m.

JJJHS @ 12:03AMNo it doesn't negate the whole missionary message. ESPN is
allowed to air any commercials they want during games they broadcast. BYU has
nothing to do with that and anyone with half a brain knows that. We know you
hate BYU but try to use some intelligence in your posts.

54-10Salt Lake City, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 10:34 a.m.

ESPN coverage nationally of the 54-10 beat down was.......priceless.

patriotCedar Hills, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 10:25 a.m.

ESPN isn't going to renew the contract if BYU keeps losing. BYU has win against
Teams like Texas and TCU otherwise what's the appeal for ESPN?

BlueCougOrem, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 10:18 a.m.

Pac12Proud

"ESPN is using the BYU games to sell alcohol which
pays the contract they have with BYU. The alcohol advertisements accompany every
televised BYU game and demonstrate that BYU's attempts to do so."

Trust a BYU-hating Utah troll to come up with such a silly argument.

BYU games have been broadcast on ESPN since 1984, and on other networks for
much longer than that, and beer ads have been a part of those broadcasts for
decades; there's nothing unique about the BYU-ESPN partnership in that regard.
We live in the world, not of the world, which means we promote our values, but
we don't force other people to abide by them.

flatlanderOmaha, NE

Nov. 4, 2011 10:00 a.m.

To BLUECOUG:

thanks I checked and I do not have the byutv HD channel.
Looks like I will keep watching spaghetti western sports

WON84PLANO, TX

Nov. 4, 2011 9:57 a.m.

@jazzfan14 - Right on. It's no secret that the Catholic Church has 70M members
and if even ten percent are Notre Dame fans they have the biggest fan base of
any school.

Ernest T. Bass - You need a lesson in Economics. ESPN is
doing this because it's making them money, not because they love BYU. Take off
your blue goggles.

Pac2Proud - You know how this works. ESPN isn't a
friend, they're a business partner.

3grandslamsIowa City, IA

Nov. 4, 2011 9:31 a.m.

That is nothing short of awesome!

UtahManDanProvidence, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 9:31 a.m.

For the vast majority of BYU fans the move to independence and the contract with
ESPN has indeed been a boon. For these fans BYU football will always be relevant
regardless of what teams they play. I'm talking about members of the LDS church
who like football and support BYU as well as alumni who tune in to watch their
alma mater play, not to forget the little kids who can now be exposed to the
game. I know as a child I became a fan of college football from watching local
teams play on TV.

But there are other fans that are very nervous
right now. They are the faction that wants BYU to be great, to win big games and
be relevant on the national level. These fans cannot be happy with the way
things are being handled. For independence to work BYU has to get off to better
starts to the season. Why are they unable to win big games early in the year?
Is it the players? Is it the coaching? Is it the mission and goal of the
university that is getting in the way?

So. Cal ReaderEscondido, CA

Nov. 4, 2011 9:28 a.m.

I LOVE this contract & agreement with ESPN. To compare this contract to the
"TV" contract the MWC had is laughable. Everything about the ESPN
contract has been a positive.

Re: JohnJacobJingleHeimerSchmidt
"Does anyone else notice the beer and alcohol ads during these ESPN games?
Kinda negates the whole missionary tool parroting I hear from byu fan doesn't
it?" You're kidding me, right? The school has zero control over the
sponsors of college football and ESPN. In no way does any type of commercial
mean the school condones it any way. And what type of missionary tool
commercials did you ever see in the MWC brodcast commercials? You've gotta find
something more gripping than that!

MapleDonSpringville, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 9:23 a.m.

"the Cougars have been targeted as a candidate to join the Big 12 or the
Big East." Really? By whom? The conferences clearly are so interested in
the Cougs that they gave TCU, SMU, Houston, etc. offers.

So far, BYU
hasn't proven itself a candidate of anything other than to be left independent.

And let's applaud ESPN for the bang-up job it has done in helping
place its "partner" into an AQ conference. Maybe BYU can anchor a new
WAC.

thebigsamoanRichmond, VA

Nov. 4, 2011 9:18 a.m.

Independence is great, and a BCS affiliation is even greater, but unless we have
a diehard, in your face, bone crushing, swash buckling, "winning
product" like Provo4Life said, then it's simply meaningless because we'll
still be viewed by our detractors as irrelevant to the conversation. I've said
it once and I'll say it again..."Just win, baby!" Everything else
will fall in place if you win, win, win, and win some more, especially against
the so called BCS powers.

Go Cougs!

Ernest T. BassBountiful, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 9:11 a.m.

ESPN will do anything to keep byu, the love us more than anyone else.

BlueCougOrem, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 9:11 a.m.

flatlander

BYUtv broadcasts on two channels, here in Utah Ch21 is low
def, Ch647 is HD. Check your channel listings to see if there's an BYUtv HD
channel, the picture quality is every bit as good as on ESPN, in fact,
ESPN/BYUtv share broadcast facilities for BYU home games. If a BYUtv HD channel
isn't available, try streaming directly through the BYUtv website.

Pac12ProudSALT LAKE CITY, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 9:10 a.m.

CordonBleu | 7:07 a.m. Nov. 4, 2011

"...the beer ads aren't in
any way connected to BYU; only a BYU-hater looking for something to whine about
would even think of associating them with BYU."

I disagree.
ESPN is using the byu games to sell alcohol which pays the contract they have
with byu. The alcohol advertisements accompany every televised byu game and
demonstrate that byu either did not stand up their values with ESPN or that ESPN
ignored byu's attempts to do so. My bet is the former.

But...who
cares about standards and values when the money is rolling in.

ESPN
- friend or puppeteer?

BYU JoeMISSION VIEJO, CA

Nov. 4, 2011 9:10 a.m.

John Blah ...

Why do I we have posts such as your genius thoughts,
grace these fine pages. Of course there are Beer commercials during football
games, just like Marriott Hotels serve guests who wish alcohol. We can be
gracious hosts and maintain standards without being judgmental.

Imagine a church leader coming to a party and then having someone ask him to
get wine because they are out of it. You would probably judge him as a bad
missionary or evil - Oh wait that already happened 2000 years ago. And he did
get the wine for his mom - by using his authority rather than running down to
the town bizarre.

So please stop using such a judgmental logic to
justify your silliness. We may not drink the stuff but others do and we don't
judge them for their actions - oh wait you do.

But while we are on
the subject of being non-judgmental - lets all judge Bronco, and staff since we
are equally qualified to run a team.

I say lets give BYU football
a rest and just focus on all the silly things the Utes dow like a good cougar
fan should.

jazzfan14Sandy, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 9:09 a.m.

Portland Trail Blazers:

I seriously doubt that BYU will ever get the
Notre Dame rule. I'm not trying to bash BYU, because I don't think most other
schools would be able to get it either. Notre Dame is Notre Dame and they will
always get that special treatment where nobody else does.

As for your
other point that BYU needs to "build rivalries with teams they can expect
to play every year. BYU should do it with schools such as, Boise State, Hawaii,
Utah State, Air Force, TCU or Houston, UCLA, and Washington". You named
eight teams that you want to play every year. I thought one of the benefits to
being independent was being able to play a wider variety of teams. Sure you want
to have some rivals that you play every year, but I would think you would limit
that to 3 or 4.

SyracuseCougSyracuse, ut

Nov. 4, 2011 9:08 a.m.

BYU would have to go undefeated in order to get a shot at a BCS bowl in the
current independence setup, we are not Notre Dame. That's a lot to ask of the
Cougars, history has shown that undefeated seasons are nearly impossible for
BYU. I would prefer to be in a BCS conference instead of standing on this
island all by ourselves. I guess it comes down to what does BYU want? To stay
independent and play a whole bunch of different teams on ESPN and BYUtv to get
the exposure (and play in a crappy bowl game), or join a BCS conference and
compete for a conference championship and an opportunity to play in a BCS bowl,
even with a loss or two. Which option does BYU want?

scenic viewBaltimore, MD

Nov. 4, 2011 9:02 a.m.

BleedRed

To U, with a regional fanbase, it's all about the money. To
BYU, with a nationwide fanbase, nationwide access to BYU sports is more
important than money.

BYU's decision whether or not to accept an
invitation to join the Big East will be based on how much of that nationwide
access BYU has to give up in order to join the Big East. The Big 12 is also
still very much in play for BYU, either as a 10th team for 2012, if West
Virginia can't leave the Big East until 2013, or as part of a BYU/Louisville
expansion of the Big 12 to 12 teams.

Securing an invitation from the
Big East isn't even an issue. The invitation is there for the asking and will be
forthcoming as soon as BYU notifies the Big East that they'll accept the
invitation.

Wayne RoutEl Paso, TX

Nov. 4, 2011 8:53 a.m.

If you think exposure to the Utah game or TCU game was great, there is something
wrong with your thinking. Yes, it is nice to see the Cougars on TV and many
years, but this team is an embarassment to fans. Frankly, I wish none of the
games were on TV because I don't want anyone to see how far BYU football has
declined in the last two years. There are no prospects for the future until
some changes are made.

flatlanderOmaha, NE

Nov. 4, 2011 8:52 a.m.

I am not sure why but when I watch BYUtv sports the picture is nowhere near the
same quality as on ESPN. I watched the volleyball game last night and it was
not good quality. When I watch volleyball on the big ten network the quality is
much better. Same with the last football game on BYUtv so I do not understand
the part of the story that says that BYU has such great production facitilities
and HD truck.

Now having said that I might wach the hawaii game but
not the other two.

estreetshuffleWindow Rock, AZ

Nov. 4, 2011 8:45 a.m.

I've never seen such negative fans. you complain about no exposure. now you are
still complaining with the exposure. it takes time for this to develop. please
there is not enough tissue and shoulders to cry on. come on be positive.

Weber State GraduateClearfield, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 8:26 a.m.

"If BYU can get the Notre Dame rule, and get BCS access, and stay an
independent, then BYU is golden."

BYU doesn't have the type of
"Notre Dame clout" necessary to get BCS access...they simply can't win
the big games on national TV. Notre Dame built their clout through a vast
winning tradition over a long period of time. Winning against the big boys on a
consistent basis delivers clout, and the occasional BYU win against top ranked
opponents like the Oklahoma's are too few and far between.

A BCS
conference is the only way to a BCS bowl for BYU (if that's the real goal of the
school). They can actually lose a few games and still win a conference.

As an independent, going undefeated against top opponents is the only
way to force the hand of the BCS. Losing to teams like Texas, Utah, and TCU on
national TV certainly doesn't help BYU's cause, however unfair or
"political" Cougar fans think this might be for their team. That's the
downside to the national exposure ESPN provides for BYU...showing the world
losses to higher tier teams.

Winning ends the debate. Best of luck to
the Cougars.

yarrlydarbOgden, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 8:20 a.m.

@JohnJacobJingleHeimerSchmidt

Nonsense.

You think
everyone who sees a beer commercial televised pays attention to it?

Most are getting snacks or visiting the little boys' room.

BleedRedSandy, Utah

Nov. 4, 2011 8:04 a.m.

@Just the Fax

Geeeez, try to be nice to the Cougs and they smite you.
Okay FAXman, lets say Im wrong [which Im not] your comment about half that
amount of 30M would be 15M. 15M > 8M

Your headed down a
slippery slide if you can't accept the future of football and correct the wrong
path Holmoe's leading you down.

The Y needs to continue their
greatness and not let it die, thinking they are working towards a noble cause.
In history the Band of Brothers was an army that did band together as the saying
" Band of Brothers" was given to them for inspiration before their
battle, and those that did band together ended their fight at that war, and
didn't live on to fight another fight! But their General was right they live in
infamy, and thats it.

Live to fight another day. Then you will
continue on instead of being a historical memory.

Band of Lil
Brothers < Still trying to be nice to you guys, but whoever tagged you with
that one is a genius, Im beginning to believe it fits you well from your
comments

Just the FAXOlympus Cove, Utah

Nov. 4, 2011 7:15 a.m.

"PAC12 announced their TV deal, which will bring in over 30M for each team,
starting next year. I would expect other leagues revenues will follow
suite."

More Utah fan propaganda. The PAC 12 TV deal is back end
loaded. Teams won't be getting anything even close to $30 million next season,
and the U will only be getting half of that.

Of course, Utah has
quickly bought into the BCS mentality that the only thing that matters is money,
so enjoy being a paid punching bag for a big boy conference.

CordonBleuPark City, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 7:07 a.m.

JohnJacobJingleHeimerSchmidt

Silly argument since the beer ads aren't
in any way connected to BYU; only a BYU-hater looking for something to whine
about would even think of associating them with BYU.

BleedRedSandy, Utah

Nov. 4, 2011 6:49 a.m.

Reality Check; hey everyone high on Independence, do the math.

BYU
will receive 8M from ESPN [Who cares if its Friday Night games]

PAC12
announced their TV deal, which will bring in over 30M for each team, starting
next year. I would expect other leagues revenues will follow suite.

30M > 8M Do the Math.

When the super 16 leagues begin [and
they eventually will] teams will be lucky to have one possibly two free slots to
fit a rivalry or outside team. Holmoe will have an even harder time filling a
schedule.

Im a Ute fan, but I have respect for the Y football
program, it was once a well oiled winning machine beating respectable teams.
Your headed in the wrong direction, fire Holmoe and get someone in there that
has the talent and ability to correct Homoes Follies and refurbish the old
machine of the past, and then start show casing your team like a classic that it
should be. I hope you guys can plug into a good BCS conference.

Good
Luck Cougs

The Dixie KidSaint George, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 6:47 a.m.

Staying independent is great, unless we lose those recruits (especially
in-state) to other schools. Because they want to play in the PAC-12 or other
conferences.

EsquireSpringville, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 6:10 a.m.

It only makes sense if all BYU cares about is wider availability of its games
for the BYU audience around the country, unless has a top tier schedule and a
top tier team. On both counts, they do not right now. BYU is not Notre Dame
and will not get the same attention. Even the ESPN deal is overplayed some.
ESPN has several channels and putting BYU on one of them at odd times or on
replay is not that big of a deal. ESPN does not even highlight BYU on its
college football web page. The bottom line is that while this TV deal is
better than what they have seen with the mtn and is better than most colleges,
BYU would be better off getting into a BCS conference IF the program ever wants
a chance to be part of the big boys. I guess it all depends on what the goals
and objectives are for the school and its football program.

TheNunGranstville, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 5:59 a.m.

Come on, stop listening to the hype like Call spews in this article. As cougar
fans, we need to look at the facts. Just because espn makes it easy for us to
watch the games, and gain exposure, it doesn't mean the cougars have gained an
ounce of relevence.

We've won against a cupcake schedule and lost all
three games against teams who were, at the time, considered to be good tests for
BYU. So, having everyone see us struggle against these type teams only
reinforces what the detractors already think, we're not even considered in the
national conversation of top 25 teams. With the kind of schedule we're likely to
get as the so-called "super conferences" become larger, will only add
fuel to that fire.

As more and more teams have to play more and more
conference games, our schedule will only get worse. The reality of Novemeber,
will come two or three weeks earlier if we're left out of BCS conferences and
have to remain independent. Notre Dame has a twenty year head start on us, and
the traditions they've built are also in jeopardy in the future.

CosmoSpringville, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 5:56 a.m.

As a BYU fan now in Mississippi, I am loving BYU's being independent! We've
been able to see every game so far this season, something I don't think would've
happened had BYU still been on the Mtn.

Honor CodeDenver, Colorado

Nov. 4, 2011 5:05 a.m.

What would be the topping of the cake would be to persuade ESPN in taking Todd
"ALL ABOUT BYU" Christensen as a play by play commentator. The fans at
the Mountain can't stand him!!

indycrimsonFranklin, IN

Nov. 4, 2011 1:53 a.m.

AntiBCS...Think about what you just typed...firebronconow=Utah troll?

I guess because I am pro Utes and dislike BYU athletics I qualify for
trolldom, and I hope Bronco never leaves. Any good rivalry supporter wishes
their competitor has pathetic coaching.

Do you thing USC wants
Nieuhisel to leave UCLA?Do you think Michigan was sad to see Tresel leave
Ohio State?Do you think Nole fans were happy Urban retired?

The
only trolls who want Bronco fired are those he think he is building a strong
program down south. If they think that they are indeed living under bridges
awaiting goats to cross...

I am a troll and want Bronco signed to
lifetime contract.

indycrimsonFranklin, IN

Nov. 4, 2011 1:51 a.m.

AntiBCS...Think about what you just typed...firebronconow=UGA troll?

I guess because I am pro Utes and dislike BYU athletics I qualify for
trolldom, and I hope Bronco never leaves. Any good rivalry supporter wishes
their competitor has pathetic coaching.

Do you thing USC wants
Nieuhisel to leave UCLA?Do you think Michigan was sad to see Tresel leave
Ohio State?Do you think Nole fans were happy Urban retired?

The
only trolls who want Bronco fired are those he think he is building a strong
program down south. If they think that they are indeed living under bridges
awaiting goats to cross...

I am a troll and want Bronco signed to
lifetime contract.

BYU, Always #1Saratoga Springs, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 1:19 a.m.

I'm sorry, if ya'll are serious and not trolls, which I am guessing most of you
are just that,trolls. Yes, the Ending schedule is not good. yes >>some

North Summit 05Coalville, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 12:49 a.m.

Although this will never happen I would really like to see Norm Chow back at BYU
say what you want about the way the Utes offense has been this year but Chow is
one heck of a OC I have been very disappointed with Doman's new offense this
year. The exposure has been great this year and who would'nt want to be in a BCS
conference as long as we do not comprise I'm all for it. The Big 12 or Big East
would really benefit from having BYU in their conference but it should be for
all sports imagine the basketball season. Way to go Bronco and Holmoe you guys
have done an awesome job with the programs! Go Cougars

fan32St. George, Utah

Nov. 4, 2011 12:28 a.m.

I sure hope BYUtv can get the satellite providers to beam their signal down in
HD. If you have dish network or direct tv, the only way you can watch the games
in HD is through apple tv and stream the HD signal in that way. Anybody have any
other suggestions? The BYUtv signal I get on my HD tv is horrible. Who do we
call?

RockOnSpanish Fork, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 12:28 a.m.

For those who think playing the Idahos and New Mexico State, etc... how soon we
forget we were pummeling SDSU, CSU and especially UNLV and New Mexico. Playing
some of the teams this year hasn't been much different than playing these other
programs in past years.

Keep in mind... this is a transition year.
It's dang tough to schedule so fast and I suspect next year is going to be
better and the year after and the year after. We should appreciate the Idahos
etal for being willing to be chum for this year so we could catch others in the
future.

Perspective is a wonderful thing.

localblueSandy, UT

Nov. 4, 2011 12:09 a.m.

It depends on wins and losses AND who you play. Playing cupcakes all year or
losing the big games all year will not matter even if you have national
distribution. Nobody will watch and pay attention. I'm a huge fan but still
will not sit around and watch my team put on a poor performance. To those who
say I'm not a real fan, I treat my kids the same way. They perform, they are
rewarded. They don't, they aren't. And the best reward a team can have
is viewership. I want to see BYU playing with the big boys and winning a few
more than playing with the cupcakes and winning them all. That Idaho State game
was as boring as they come. Don't overplay your hand in this conference
realignment stuff is all I can say. It will come back to bite us.

Notre Dame, which admittedly is several decades ahead of
the Y in scheduling experience, has only three non-BCS teams on its 2011
schedule: Navy, Air Force, and South Florida. All of its November games are
against BCS teams. Obviously that's BYU's goal. BYU brings the same thing to
the table to attract the kinds of teams that Notre Dame is playing in November
that Notre Dame does: a national broadcast and a loyal fan base. BYU will get
the likes of Wake Forest, Maryland, BC, and Stanford (Notre Dame's November 2011
schedule) in time if ESPN continues to help them get games like TCU at Cowboy
Stadium and THE TEAM'S PLAY IMPROVES so more people than its loyal fan base want
to watch them.

So the next order of business, to keep those fans
eyeballs on the TV sets, is FIND A QUARTERBACK!

DEW CougarsSandy, UT

Nov. 3, 2011 11:50 p.m.

You think Kyle Whitingham would like more exposer and give up the job at the U
and come to the Y? Why not and have Bronco demoted just to be D's coach. Come on
Kyle which you will be great fit at the Y!

RealityCheckedCougrSOUTH JORDAN, UT

Nov. 3, 2011 11:21 p.m.

RE: @Riverton Cougar

You are missing the point. If conferences lock
teams into playing opponents within their conferences in October and December
all that will be left to play are the New Mexico States of College football and
people like you will still pay to see that lousy product. Stop buying tix and
enabling the dillusionment that people want to watch NM State, Idaho, and Idaho
State.

anti BCSAnaheim, CA

Nov. 3, 2011 10:52 p.m.

Noblepromise

Obviously you're not much of a fan or you'd already know
the reason for BYU's 2011 schedule.

HatchSandy, UT

Nov. 3, 2011 10:49 p.m.

Finally an article about the future from Jeffy. Look forward to part 2.

Riverton CougarRiverton, Utah

Nov. 3, 2011 10:47 p.m.

Have you guys forgotten the reason BYU had to schedule all these WAC teams?
They didn't have much of an option. The schedules will get MUCH better, trust
me.

anti BCSAnaheim, CA

Nov. 3, 2011 10:47 p.m.

Please Fire Bronco = Utah troll

Whoa NellieAmerican Fork, UT

Nov. 3, 2011 10:44 p.m.

By golly Noblepromise, you've got a point there. I'll bet no one at BYU thought
of scheduling BCS teams. Give them a call and share your ideas and thoughts on
the subject. They'd really appreciate your insights. I'll bet they never even
thought about getting some BCS conference teams to come to Provo in November.

RealityCheckedCougrSOUTH JORDAN, UT

Nov. 3, 2011 10:31 p.m.

I am a big time Cougar fan, but it is time to lose the blue colored spectacles
regarding independence. Most respectable teams will not be allowed to play
against BYU in October and November due to conference scheduling requirements.
Realignment will make scheduling more difficult not the opposite.

We would love to schedule BYU signed UC Davis, Sacramento State, Wofford, and
Bo Didley Tech. Can we get on ESPN?

NoblepromisePROVO, UT

Nov. 3, 2011 10:29 p.m.

BYU wants to play at the highest level, than please schedule football games with
teams from BCS conference. Playing teams like Idaho and Idaho State doesn't help
BYU chances of getting into a BCS bowl or being invited into a BCS conference.If
BYU wants to be independent in football like Notre Dame we should schedule games
like they do (BCS teams instead of teams not even in a BCS conference).

Donations, sports revenues from football events, and Cougar Club membership
won't rise if we schedule non BCS teams. What was the reason for going
independent in football if it wasn't to play the best teams and get invited to a
BCS bowl?

Captain LProvo, UT

Nov. 3, 2011 10:08 p.m.

Those who think BYU needs to jump at any chance to get into a BCS conf. are
crazy. Being in a BCS conf. isn't as great as some would like us to think.
Winning is the key , not belonging to a BCS conf. Oklahoma St. , Arizona,
Arizona St, Cal, Wash. St, and many others who pretty good teams rarely if ever
get into a BCS bowl game. Again WINNING is the key. If we improve as a team and
win we will get noticed, exposure, and the opportunity to play in a BCS game.
BYU needs to take their time and examine all the little things and make sure it
is a better situation before they agree to sign on with a BCS conf.. Just
jumping at the chance to belong to a BCS conf. isn't smart or necessary.

79UteOrange County, CA

Nov. 3, 2011 10:04 p.m.

Living in a PAC-12 market, I've seen two Utah games on TV in real time (and one
of those was the BYU game or it wouldn't have been on). Oregon State was tape
delayed on Fox, but someone sent me a text about the win so I ended up not
watching it. I watched San Clemente HS v. Mission Viejo to get a preview of
Travis Wilson's play (not a good game for him or SCHS). Sad, but there's always
next year...both in terms of exposure for Utah and improved performance for both
Utah and BYU.

Please Fire BroncoProvo, UT

Nov. 3, 2011 9:53 p.m.

Bronco thank you for your work. The program is better than when you started.Unfortunately you have reached your ceiling.

One of the best things
Utah did for their program was have the guts to fire a coach who brought them a
long way, but couldn't take them to the next step. Yes I am saying it. Bronco
Mendenhall is the BYU version of Ron McBride.

Appreciate what Bronco
has done, but it is time to move on. Get a coach who can coach at a higher
level.

Houston and SMU get invited to a BCS conference, and BYU
doesn't?Heads should roll.

Bronco and Holmoe should be fired.
They are all talk.

fresnogirlFresno, CA

Nov. 3, 2011 9:30 p.m.

I have been able to watch every single BYU game this year. Even the OSU game was
easy to watch. I watched it for free on BYUtv over my Roku. Love, love, love
being able to see my Cougars again.

Provo4LifePROVO, UT

Nov. 3, 2011 9:03 p.m.

So I get that the exposure is great. It's been huge that we've had so many games
broadcasted on ESPN networks! First things first, we need to put a better
product together for these huge audiences. Exposure is great, but when it shows
a bad product it hurts more than helps. We also can't be left out in the cold
looking in thinking what might have been. If the right opportunity presents
itself we need to jump at a BCS conference. If we don't make it happen then the
exposure won't help. I'm excited for the future. I love that I can watch all the
games. I think we've made all the right moves for now, but our play needs must
get better quick or we won't see the benefits.

Lastly, a word to
Bronco. Quit sugar coating everything and take a good hard look at the program
and make some decisions about key positions and coaches!

Whoa NellieAmerican Fork, UT

Nov. 3, 2011 9:00 p.m.

So far the BYU-ESPN partnership has been very good for BYU. Now we are in
November and the realities of this partnership are going to chill the fans to
the bone. Please negotiate down so November games can be played in daylight and
shown on BYUtv. Let ESPN show them on tape delay at 8 p.m. I'll bet the exposure
BYU gets from the next two games will be vacant seats at LES.

Portland Trail BlazersSandy, UT

Nov. 3, 2011 8:56 p.m.

If BYU can get the Notre Dame rule, and get BCS access, and stay an independent,
then BYU is golden.

BYU needs to do what Notre Dame does. Build
rivalries with teams they can expect to play every year. BYU should do it with
schools such as, Boise State, Hawaii, Utah State, Air Force, TCU or Houston,
UCLA, and Washington.

Now, bring on the UTE trolls! Haha

Y Grad / Y DadRichland, WA

Nov. 3, 2011 8:54 p.m.

Man, ESPN must have taken a blood-bath, airing all those irrelevant football
games!

Serious, the only game I had to do anything at all was the OSU
game. I had to call up DirecTV and convince them to give me the sportspak for
three months for free. Kind of a shame, the only thing I watch on TV is BYU
football. And NCIS.

I know they need to up the anti if they hope to
keep getting that type of exposure. And as the schedule gets better, so too had
the cougars better get better. But I am visualizing a whole lotta cougar
football goin' on!

I will be interested to see, even as our loyal
detractors emphasize the word "exposed", how all this impacts
recruiting.